As you and I read the Gospel accounts, several hallmarks of Jesus’ earthly ministry stand out. I find them incredibly important to loving our neighbors today.

The first hallmark is Jesus’ prayer life. The second is Jesus’ habit of doing things only the way He knew the Father love to work.

The third hallmark is Jesus’ compassion for people. On many occasions the Gospel writers make reference to Jesus seeing the people gathered around Him, and feeling deep compassion for their needs.

The fourth hallmark is the utter simplicity with which our Lord touched the lives of so many people. He performed great miracles, yet sometimes said little. To the man lying by the pool of Bethesda for 38 years, Jesus simply asked, “Do you wish to get well?” And after taking the time to listen to the man’s story, our Lord’s command was equally as simple: “Arise, take up your pallet, and walk.”

Like Jesus, sometimes we can best love our neighbor or acquaintance by asking a short question, and then listening for however long it takes to hear their whole answer. True, patient listening may feel counterintuitive, but it allows hearts to be unlocked and opportunities to abound to share Jesus with your world.     

This is Luis Palau.